Brian Lowney: American Kennel Club admits Portuguese Podengo Pequeno

Sunday

Feb 3, 2013 at 12:01 AM

Dog fanciers on both sides of the Atlantic are applauding the American Kennel Club's recent admission of the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, an ancient hunting breed, as the newest member of the hound group.

Brian J. Lowney

Dog fanciers on both sides of the Atlantic are applauding the American Kennel Club's recent admission of the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, an ancient hunting breed, as the newest member of the hound group.

These small sighthounds were developed from canines that once roamed the North African deserts thousands of years ago and are believed to share a common ancestry with Ibizan and Pharaoh hounds, as well as with the breed's much larger cousin, the Portuguese Podengo.

"They have been staple rabbit hunters for years," reports Sandy Gillen of Columbia, Md., one of the Podengo Pequeno's foremost advocates in the United States. She adds that in continental Portugal, hunters use the diminutive canines to explore crevices looking for prey. Once the rabbit bolts, the taller hounds give chase and capture the startled game.

According to the breed standard, the Podengo Pequeno averages 9-13 pounds, measures 8-12 inches tall at the withers, and comes in two coat types — smooth and wire. The breed is prized for its loyalty and loves being part of a happy, active family.

"They are an interesting little dog," Gillen continues, adding that there are about 500 of these energetic and keenly intelligent canines in this country.

Gillen emphasizes that these astute hunters work in packs, and also excel in performance activities such as lure coursing, flyball and agility.

"They use their ears like radar," the dog fancier tells, adding that her Borzois and border terriers always follow the Pequeno's lead when an errant creature enters the yard.

While pet lovers are generous to local animal shelters during the holidays, these facilities, like many New Year's resolutions, are often forgotten once the festive season is over.

Ariana Silva, shelter manager at the Humane Society and Shelter-SouthCoast in Dartmouth, reports that many pets have been surrendered to the facility in recent months, mostly as a result of their owners' financial hardships.

Silva adds that some folks can't afford proper veterinary and routine care. Others aren't able to keep their beloved furry companion when they are forced to downsize and move to smaller accommodations. Sadly, a growing number of owners who suddenly become homeless frequently have to relinquish their animals since few shelters for humans allow guests to bring their pets.

The shelter manager has a long laundry list of needed supplies to help the facility care for its abandoned residents.

"Kitten chow is a big need," she tells, adding that the shelter also could use canned cat and dog food, non-clumping cat litter, gently used blankets, towels and laundry detergent.

Silva reports that many thoughtful local youngsters celebrating birthdays have recently opted to forego gifts and instead have party guests make cash donations to the shelter. She adds that the facility will soon host children's birthday celebrations, not only to increase revenue but also to educate young folks about shelter operations and responsible pet care.

For more information about pet adoption or to donate, call or write the Humane Society and Shelter- South Coast, 31 Ventura Drive, Dartmouth, Ma., 02747; The phone number is 508-995-6661.

For more than 60 years, the Wampanoag Kennel Club has provided local dog fanciers to develop a strong bond with their canine companions while having fun in the conformation ring as well as in performance activities, including obedience, agility and rally. Last year, the organization moved to a new location in Acushnet, where rally classes are held on Monday nights, obedience on Wednesday nights, and conformation (breed handling) classes on Thursdays.

The club also sponsors an annual match show in May at Freetown State Forest, two all-breed dog shows in Wrentham in late June, and obedience competitions throughout the year.

According to Micky Rein, club president and breed handling instructor, "a well-trained dog is a valued and beloved member of the family."

Rein says that dogs "round out our lives," often lifting our spirits at the end of a difficult day.

"The bond that forms between us is unparalleled," she continues. "I can't imagine what life would be without them. Their love is unconditional but we owe them something in return. We need to take care of them and train them to behave appropriately in social situations."

For more information about the Wampanaog Kennel Club, call Gail Zurawski at (508) 673-3066. Guests are invited to visit the classes on the appropriate night at 7 p.m. the Wampanoag Kennel Club Training Hall, 1121 Main St., Acushnet.